Riverbreeze: Part 3 (10 page)

“But you got us here in time in order for her to do that. And you were ever so brave today. I was the coward! I’m so proud of you.” Jamie kissed her tenderly on the forehead.

She smiled in the dark. She was proud of herself too! “So, you accept me fully now?” She asked, remembering their conversation at the creek.

He nodded. “I do, with all my heart.” He said without hesitation, holding her close. “And you accept me fully? My sickness…and my cowardliness?” He added teasingly.

“You’re not a coward!” She disagreed, shoving his shoulder.

“Ow!” He said softly.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” She quickly apologized. “I forgot that your shoulder was sore.”

“’Tis all right.” He said, squirming a little on the pallet to get into a more comfortable position, which wasn’t really possible, considering they were sleeping on the floor.

Evelyn was still worried though. “Are you sure you’ll be able to take me to Alison’s tomorrow?”

“Yes, I’ll be able to take you.” He answered with great patience, as if she had asked the most stupid question in the world. “I can still ride, even with my sore shoulder. I rode to and from the muster, didn’t I?”

“Yes.” She said in a small voice. “I just thought…I was afraid—“

“Shh.” He interrupted, putting a gentle finger on her mouth. “You have no need to worry. I will take you to Alison’s tomorrow and the next day and the next, for however long you need to go.”

“Thank you.”

“SHH…!” Abigail shushed them from the other side of the fireplace. “I would at least like to get a few minutes of sleep!”

Evelyn and Jamie couldn’t help themselves from giggling quietly together. “Sorry, Abigail.” Evelyn said softly.

“Sorry, Abby.” Jamie said, equally as soft. “Good night, my sweet love.” He added, giving Evelyn one last tender kiss.

“Good night.” Evelyn sighed, relaxing into his arms, feeling wholly satisfied. The day had been a huge success and just before she fell into a dreamless sleep, she thanked God for her gift and her husband and this life with him. And then she went through the list, which had gotten a little longer tonight
: God bless Jamie and Abigail, Elizabeth and Robert and Robin, George and Hetta and their newborn son. Watch over them and keep them safe. Amen.

Chapter Thirty-Eight: Heels over Head

“Are you ready yet?” Jamie yelled up the stairs, impatient to get going. Today was December 10th, Alison Wyatt’s and William Barber’s wedding day and he was feeling particularly energetic this morning which pleased him mightily. He just knew this was going to be a good day.

“In a minute.” Evelyn yelled back.

Normally Evelyn wasn’t ever late, but this morning she was still stitching the hem of her new petticoat. For the past nine days she had gone to the Paulette’s home to help Alison design and stitch her new gown, earning her a few shillings which she promptly tucked away in a little pouch and stuffed under the mattress. Jamie was extremely proud of her and he had also enjoyed escorting her to and from the Paulette’s home each morning and evening. But that had left her little time for anything else, ergo the unfinished petticoat.

He sighed, and paced back and forth in the hall again, tapping his hand on his thigh.

“Jamie!” Rob called from the kitchen in an irritated tone. “Come in here and sit down whilst you wait for Evelyn.”

His pacing happened to take him close to the kitchen doorway and he poked his head in. “I’d rather not.” He said, his voice a trifle sharp. “If I sit down again I might get involved in conversation and forget all about the time, and you know I want to get to church early to help the Matthews.”

“Jamie, you’re too good.” Rob said.

Jamie just shrugged his shoulders and one side of his mouth quirked up. He never knew what to say when his brother complimented him like that so he said nothing.

While it wasn’t his responsibility as a member of the vestry to help Timothy Sr. and Timothy Jr. with the churchyard maintenance and with the upkeep of the church building, he just wanted to do it. And Evelyn had agreed with him, even saying herself that she would like to help Annabelle with the decorating of the interior of the church.

Finally, after a good five minutes, or it may have been ten—he hadn’t watched the clock that closely—Evelyn came rushing down the stairs, the dogs scampering ahead of her. They immediately ran into the kitchen and Jamie could hear Robert order them to their corner.

“I’m sorry.” Evelyn said, rising up on her tiptoes to give Jamie a quick kiss on his mouth. All was forgiven with that kiss, and he helped her drape her cloak around her shoulders, tenderly lifting her hair and settling it down her back. Then without further to-do, they headed out the back door, calling out a good bye to the rest of the family.

“We’ll be there shortly.” Robert called out just before the door closed.

The horses were waiting for them right at the back door where Jamie had recently erected a hitching post. Dolnick had saddled them, but Jamie checked all the straps one more time anyway. When he was certain all was secure, he boosted Evelyn up onto Penny, catching a glimpse of her new petticoat.

“I like it.” He said, holding a section in his fingers. “Tis very pretty.” She had embroidered a vine and rosebud design above the hemline and finished the hem with gathered lace.

“Thank you.” She said, preening a little.

“You could turn a rag into the best finery.” He complimented her as he gently ran his hand up her leg from her ankle to her calf where he stopped to affectionately squeeze her leg.

“No, I couldn’t.” She said, but Jamie didn’t believe her. He gave her a look that clearly stated that, ‘yes, you could,’ and they both knew it. She just inclined her head and lowered her eyelashes once in thanks.

He smiled, handing her the reins.

“’Tis going to be a beautiful day today.” She said, directing the conversation away from her.

He let her. “It does look that way.” He said, eyeing the clear blue sky and the bright sun just barely over the horizon. There was a chill in the air, but no frost this morning, and he was sure that by noon it would be quite pleasant. “Happy is the bride the sun shines upon.” He stated the age old saying.

“The sun shone on our wedding day and I’m very happy indeed.” She said softly.

“I’m glad.” He said, reaching out to hold her hand. They shared a tender moment, gazing into each other’s eyes, but not for long. Jamie was too impatient to leave.

The ride to church was uneventful except for a few minutes halfway there when they stopped to watch a flock of migratory canvasback ducks flying in long wavy lines overhead. “Several of those would make a wonderful meal.” Jamie said longingly. “Maybe tomorrow Rob and I will scout them out.”

“That does sound wonderful.” Evelyn agreed.

As the ducks went on their way, so did Jamie and Evelyn and soon they arrived at the churchyard just as the Matthews family was approaching the front door of the church. They called out ‘hallo’s’ and then Timothy Sr., Annabelle and Timothy Jr., who were hauling evergreen boughs and other greenery, went inside while Richard headed in their direction at a jog.

“Hello, Mr. Bassett. Mistress Bassett.” Richard panted. He stopped short on the other side of the fence, his fine, straight hair falling into his face. He impatiently swiped it back and tucked it behind his ears.

“Hello, Richard. How are you today?” Jamie asked, as he dismounted and then helped Evelyn dismount. She took a minute to straighten her clothing while he tied the horses up to the fence.

“I’m fine, sir.” Richard said automatically, his eyes on the horses. “May I, sir?” He asked, looking as if he wanted to hug the animals.

Jamie exchanged an amused smile with Evelyn, then answered, “Go ahead and give them a pet, then I’ll let you sit on Penny for a minute.”

“You will, sir?” Richard gasped, his hazel eyes huge. He hurried through the gate. “Oh, thank you, sir.”

“I’ll leave you two to chat awhile.” Evelyn said, giving Jamie a wink and a kiss.

And then she walked briskly across the yard towards the church, her feet rustling through the leaves on the path. That was what Jamie came to do: clear the paths before the congregation arrived.

However, at the moment he turned his attention back to the teenage boy. He felt sorry for the lad although many boys his age were in similar situations, working hard on the farm, just scraping by. His clothes were shabby and worn, although his mother had tried her best to mend the few tears in his breeches as inconspicuously as possible and turned the cuffs on the sleeves of his coat to hide the tattered hems.

Richard was also small for his age, fourteen or so, very thin and tired-looking. He had had to take on a load of responsibility when his father had irreparably injured his leg. He and his mother were the only ‘whole’ people in the family and while his older brother was capable of simple manual labor, there were times when Timothy’s mind would wander and he would go off on his own. Jamie remembered a few times when search parties had to be gathered together and sent out to find the young man.

Richard was petting Pisador, reaching up eagerly to run his hand along the horse’s neck and to stroke his mane. His passion for horses equaled Jamie’s, but Jamie didn’t believe that Richard would ever have the means to own a horse.

“Would you like to ride Penny for a few minutes?” Jamie offered, changing his mind about only allowing Richard to sit on Penny. He would not allow Richard to ride Pisador or even sit on him for that matter, but Penny was perfect for a beginner rider and he estimated that the stirrups, already shortened for Evelyn, would be a better fit for the undersized boy.

The lad’s mouth dropped open; then his face brightened as if he had been given a horse of his own. “Ride, sir? Oh yes, I would love that!”

Jamie smiled, enjoying the lad’s enthusiasm. “Come here and I’ll boost you up.” He said with alacrity, cupping his hands for the boy to step on.

Richard was as light as a feather, or at least as light as Evelyn. And Jamie had been right; the stirrups were the exact length for him.

Penny behaved beautifully and after a short walkabout, Jamie handed over the reins and Richard took over. He had no fear and, in fact, rode as if he had been riding for years. At first he walked the horse in several wide circles, keeping his body perfectly balanced and his hands slack but in control of the reins.

“Beautiful! Beautiful!” Jamie exclaimed, laughing delightedly. “Keep it up. You’re doing great! Take her to a trot.”

Richard looked hesitant at first, but then nodded when Jamie encouraged him again. He nudged the horse with his heels and Penny responded quickly. Richard rode back and forth, back and forth, at least four or five times, handling the horse as if he were born to ride. And he was as happy as Jamie had ever seen him.

Jamie was truly impressed and once again felt a pang of sympathy for Richard. It would take years for Richard to ever earn enough money to buy a horse. He might never have one, for that matter. But just because Jamie felt a connection with Richard didn’t mean he could help him financially. He had a wife to support, a house to build and upcoming children that he would pass on his love of horses to.

Richard rode for about fifteen minutes when Jamie finally called him back. He came willingly, directing Penny to the spot beside Pisador. Jamie took the reins and looped them around the fence while Richard dismounted without Jamie’s help.

“That was great!” Richard exclaimed, his cheeks bright red from excitement and the cold air. “She’s such a sweet horse.” He continued as he turned back to Penny and patted her neck. She returned the affection by snuffling his shoulder which made Richard giggle in delight.

“I’m glad you enjoyed it. You’re a brilliant rider.” Jamie said, patting Richard on the back.

“Thank you, sir. I really appreciate that. I only wish…” Richard’s voice trailed away as he suddenly looked sad.

Jamie clasped his shoulder. “Maybe one day your wish will come true. Keep working hard, save your money…”

Richard was shaking his head. “I’ll never be able to save enough money. I have my family to look after.”

“Don’t lose hope.” Jamie said with a smile. “Look, there goes your brother down to the wharf. Come on, we better see what Reverend Gowan has for us to do.”